Chocolate Fudge Buttercream Frosting
While I have used different ratios of butter and shortening to make buttercream, this is my go to mix. It creates a delicious buttercream with a lovely texture that holds up well for decorating but can be thinned to spread easily even on the most delicate cakes. If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can substitute half and half or whole milk with good results.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter , softened
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- 2 Tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Place the softened butter and shortening in a large mixing bowl. Beat until the mixture is completely smooth. Add the vanilla cocoa and beat to combine. Add the powdered sugar in 1/2 cup increments, beating slowly after each addition to combine. Turn the mixer up to high and beat for 1-2 minutes. This will help create a smooth and airy buttercream. Add milk or heavy cream as needed to help achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Spread the buttercream on the surface of the cooled cake or cupcakes. If necessary, this buttercream can be thinned with the addition of more heavy cream to make it easier to spread without scarring the surface of the cake. Any leftover frosting can be stored in an airtight container for several days.
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Hi there! I’m super interested in making this recipe but I am not a fan of using shortening in any of my recipes. Is there healthier alternative that you can recommend? . Thanks
Of course! You could make an all butter version which is equally delicious. An all butter buttercream is a bit more temperature sensitive. If it is chilled, the buttercream becomes firmer and if it is kept at room temperature during the warmer months, it can get a bit weepy. I would probably chill it unless your kitchen is quite cool and just add a bit more heavy cream to help prevent it from getting too firm.
Or, you could also use a non-hydrogenated vegetable based organic shortening. I have used it in the past with excellent results. It is non-hydrogenated and cholesterol free. You’ll find it in our Amazon shop’s pantry section here:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/1840farm/list/IUNMHGU0KD3D?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsf1840farm_SJ0EPZ9MCBC45TR7KPC3